For questions on the project, contact Lan Do Disability Rights Network of PA

1. This training is made possible by a grant from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council through the Disability Advocacy Support Hub (DASH) project of the Disability Rights Network Of Pennsylvania (DRN). For questions on the project, contact Lan Do Disability Rights Network of PA 1414 N. Cameron Street, Second Floor Harrisburg, PA 17103 1-800-692-7443 ext. 312 Ldo@drnpa.org

2. So You Want to Get a Grant… C. Lu Conser DASH Presentation August 8, 2012

3. Today’s Agenda • Overview • Preparing & Presenting a Proposal • Questions • Research & Resources • Questions

4. 4,268 foundations in PA (2011) – not all active 5th largest foundation asset base in U.S. - $25.4B 8th in U.S. for foundation giving 70-90% of PA foundation funding goes to PA organizations Although there has been a “dip” in funding, the overall trend is UP Overview - Pennsylvania

5. Overview - Pennsylvania • For every dollar invested in their advocacy, organizing and civic engagement ($26.1 million total), advocacy groups generated $122 in benefits for Pennsylvania communities. • -Strengthening Democracy, Increasing Opportunities • National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy

6. Grant Beneficiaries in PA Philanthropy in Pennsylvania – Partners for Progress, 2011

7. Increasing Importance of Foundation Grants

8. Nonprofits & Foundations Nonprofits need funds for • Operating expenses need to be covered • Lobbying and advocacy – a hard sell but they can be funded • Program maintenance, ongoing funding Foundations require increased • Outcomes, evaluation, Evidence based practices (EBPs) • Collaboration, partnership & consolidation • System - not program - focus

9. Utilize all Grant Options • Planning and consultation • Pilot projects • Operating costs • Specialized equipment • Technology • Research & Innovation • Advocacy & Lobbying

10. More than $$$$ • Neutral convener • Public policy advocate • Research & Publications on local issues • Training & Technical assistance

11. Before you write a grant …take nothing for “granted.”

12. Like a fine meal – It’s about… • Preparation • Presentation

13. Preparation Identify your need Identify potential sources of money and non-financial support Match your need to the priorities of potential funders Read the guidelines & application – now do it again and review periodically

14. Basics • Are you a 501(c)3? • Most foundations can only give to 501(c)3 organizations • Is this your first grant? If so, you may need to establish credibility • Start with a small project • Partner with an established agency or use a conduit

15. Preparation Tips • Have some proposals “in the can” – • Use interns, board members, volunteers to research and write draft proposals • Keep the proposals on file and revise as needed • The common funding or common grant application used in many areas is a good template to use • Helps you plan out the project, think about how to present it and do the background research

16. Preparation Tips • Involve your staff in proposing grant possibilities and identifying potential funders • Builds the team & they may have a contact • Be especially clear on advocacy proposal goals • Cannot always show immediate outcome beyond efforts & inputs - work toward measureable goals • Ask for assistance if you need it – if you have a good idea, foundation will be willing to help

17. Have you considered… • Is the project congruent with your mission & skills? • Is it duplicating any existing programs of your organization or others? • Do you have the capacity to manage & staff it or will you need to hire? If so, build in additional time

18. Have you considered… • Do you have adequate support staff? • Can and should you partner with another organization? • How confident are you of the outcomes? • How will you sustain it?

19. Presentation – The Application Be clear, concise and knowledgeable Follow the guidelines! Include evaluation plan & costs Don’t forget overhead if it is allowed

20. Presentation Tips • Tell a winning story - they should enjoy reading your proposal • Make it personal – draw a picture • The Hook - “They run out of food before they run out of month” • BUT, do not waste their time – do your homework and research, and keep things concise • This is where you can shine – YOU are the expert

21. Presentation – the 4 C’s • Congruence or “fit” with the foundation goals

22. Presentation – the 4 C’s • Congruence or “fit” with the foundation goals • Context of your mission

23. Presentation – the 4 C’s • Congruence or “fit” with the foundation goals • Context of your mission • Clarity of your goals and presentation

24. Presentation – the 4 C’s • Congruence or “fit” with the foundation goals • Context of your mission • Clarity of your goals and presentation • Continuity of relationship

25. Presentation - practicalities • Honor deadlines and formats • Submit early if possible • Be professional, not extravagant • If you need help, Ask

26. What happens next?

27. Follow-up & revision • Know the process and follow it • Be flexible and collaborative • Review and revise honestly • Keep in touch • Hope for the best; prepare for the worst

28. Not this time… Don’t give up and don’t argue – what can you do better? Can they advise on other sources of funds? Revise & reapply Leave the door open

29. And if you are approved….

30. Now what? • Re-read your proposal and the requirements and follow them. • Set deadlines and assignments • Keep your evaluation data up-to-date. Don’t get caught in a deadline squeeze • Don’t wait until the end to acknowledge problems or to let them know if you need to revise the program – revision does not have to be a problem

31. Now what? • Evaluation and program logic models have great value • Force you and the foundation to think the initiative through • Allow you to show its worth to the foundation, your board, constituents and staff • Use it in other contexts – • It’s simple, readily available, free • Training is very useful to get the most out of it – check with your UW or foundation

32. Questions?

33. Searching for Grants Many, many options

34. Rule #1 – Look & Ask • There are hundreds of ways to search • Internet, consultants, libraries, regional association of grantmakers, colleagues, trade organizations, board members & staff, government contacts, newsletters... • An ongoing process of expanding your knowledge & contacts • Another excellent use for an intern

35. Federal Government Grants.gov is the central federal site • Lists all 26 agencies that issue grants • Information and application resources • Search by category, agency, dates, etc. • A variety of tutorials • Can register to get notification of new opportunities • Technical support by email or phone

36. Commonwealth Grants • There is no central site - Check individual departments • Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is major grantor and uses a single application form • Build a relationship with key staff in key departments or offices

37. Resources Info & Organizations

38. General Resources • Overview of Grantmaking in PA – note links to other reports http://www.gwpa.org/s_gwp/sec.asp?CID=4777&DID=10047&mored=true • Top Giving Foundations in PA http://www.tgci.com/funding/top.asp?statename=Pennsylvania&statecode=PA • Foundation Center- Foundation Finder searches by state. Zip, name; lots more info http://foundationcenter.org • National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy - a “watchdog” of foundations, emphasizing community needs and advocacy http://www.ncrp.org/

39. General Resources • National Center for Charitable Statistics – Clearinghouse on nonprofit data & resources http://nccs.urban.org/index.cfm • Forbes Fund (Pittsburgh Foundation) – Supports management and policy-making capacity of the nonprofit sector through grantmaking, applied research and TA. http://forbesfunds.org/ • CAHWF Best Practices/evaluation info http://itech.dickinson.edu/libwiki/index.php/CAHWF_Class:_Best_Practices_Information_Sources

40. Writing Proposals • Grant Proposal Writing Tips- Guidelines for the grant-writing process. http://www.cpb.org/grants/grantwriting.html • Non-profit Guides- Grant-writing tools for nonprofits, including tips, sample proposals & letters, and links. • http://www.npguides.org/ • Successful Grant Writing- A grant-writing consultant's outline of the basic steps necessary for planning the grant-writing process. http://www.generalcode.com/resources/grant-writing • Writing a Successful Grant Proposal- Detailed outline of how to write and present a grant proposal. http://www.mcf.org/nonprofits/successful-grant-proposal

41. U. S. Census • Data by state, county, Congressional district, MSA & more • If this is of value to your organization – learn to use it ! • Help available from Census staff, libraries, Penn State Data Center, colleges & universities • Basic search site: http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml

42. Resources for Advocates • Advocacy Funding: Philanthropy of Changing Minds - free download if you register http://www.grantcraft.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&pageId=1307 • National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy has great resources & publications, including a 2011 report on importance/value of advocacy funding http://www.ncrp.org • Advocacy Funding Pays Off Big http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/news/top-stories/advocacy-funding-pays-big-study-says

43. Resources for Advocates • Study Finds Every Dollar Invested in Policy & Civic Engagement Raises $115 in Community Benefits http://www.ncrp.org/files/publications/LeveragingLimitedDollars.pdf • Strengthening Democracy, Increasing Opportunities (2011 PA study) http://www.ncrp.org/files/publications/Strengthening_Democracy_Increasing_Opportunities-PA-low_res.pdf • Alliance for Justice www.afj.org (Bolder Advocacy tab)

44. Questions?

45. Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration.-Evan Esar C. Lu Conser lusite@kuhncom.net 717-243-8570